Geog 696C Physical Geography, Spring 1998

Background

In this seminar we will examine the climate of the Southwest, in particular climate variability. As a group, we will investigate the climatic controls on the region at various spatial and temporal scales, through regular, focused reviews of SW climate research combined with a small number of complementary research projects. This small group of class research projects will be selected to fit class interests, combining critical readings, methodologies, and topical material with hands-on analysis. This format will enable constructive discussion of theoretical and practical research issues among the group, and will advance our understanding of climate and its variability in the region.

Classes and Assignments

The provisional meeting time is Wednesdays, 1:00 to 3:30 pm in Harvill 452. Participation and interaction in class are critical to the seminar experience. Students are required to lead brief topical discussions several times during the semester. Constructive critical thinking (verbal, written, and analytical) will be rewarded.

All students are required to write an individual research paper, based on the research projects. The opportunity for peer review of each other's final draft papers will be maximized if papers are completed a week or two before the end of semester. Other assignments include data gathering, analysis, library work, article review, peer reviewing student papers, and in-class presentations.

The allotted class time is almost 2 ½ hours each week, which will include various parts such as report-back, review, analysis, etc. I will set up an E-mail listserver for online discussion and information (swclim@geog.arizona.edu).

Grades and Policies

30% Class Participation (presentations, discussions, assignments, practical work, etc.)

70% Research Paper (with abstract, full references, figures, etc.)

Absence/attendance, withdrawal, honesty and other policies as per the General Catalog.

Work submitted late may be subject to penalties.

Readings

Readings will be made available as necessary in Harvill 435D (Geography Dept. library and conference room). Students with limited exposure to climatology may wish to consult a general climatology text as necessary during the course (e.g., Barry, R.G. and Chorley, R.J. (1992) Atmosphere, Weather and Climate. Sixth Edition. Routledge: New York, 392pp.).

Seminar Topics

The topics below are tentative, and the final selected set of topics (probably only 2 or 3) will probably run concurrently over multiple weeks. Most likely, there will be more review/discussion of literature earlier in the semester and more analysis and debate of research projects later in the semester. Note that there is no final exam.

• Weather and climate of the Southwest
• North American monsoon
• Winter circulation and El Nino
• Southwest paleoclimate
• Fire/lightning climatology
• Precipitation and temperature trends
• Local vs. regional scale issues
• Hydroclimatological issues

Calendar

Week Date Topic

1 Jan 14 Introduction and Background

2 Jan 21 Summer Climate and Circulation

3 Jan 28 Winter Climate and Circulation

4 Feb 4 SW Climate Record

5 Feb 11 }

6 Feb 18 }

7 Feb 25 } Project Development and Analysis

8 Mar 4 }

9 Mar 11 }

10 Mar 18 No Class: Spring Break

11 Mar 25 No Class: AAG Conference

12 Apr 1 }

13 Apr 8 } Project Final Analysis

14 Apr 15 }

15 Apr 22 Student Presentations

16 Apr 29 Student Presentations

17 May 6 Student Presentations